Gilbert C. "Gib" Check's Obituary
Gilbert Charles Check passed away on June 22, 2023, at 81. Gib/Gibby was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 23, 1942, the oldest of three children to Gilbert and Marjorie (Frankland) Check. Gib grew up in Gages Lake, Il, and spent time swimming, and boating on the lake with his sister, Diane, and brother Jim. After high school in Grayslake, Gib attended college in Illinois, where he met and married Sue, and they were blessed with two children, Chris and SueAnn. They moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where the family loved hiking the mountains which was always an adventure because Gib was navigationally challenged. After this marriage ended Gib moved back to Illinois and cared for his mother, Margie. Some of his occupations included factory line supervisor, metallurgist, construction company owner, site engineer, and painter. He and Ruth had attended elementary and high school together, but their love didn't blossom until 1997 when they met at a high school class reunion and went on “outings”. They married in 1999 and settled on the lake in Adams Friendship, WI. In Adams-Friendship he became a valued house painter, creative candle maker, avid gardener, and at 62 earned his Bachelor of Science degree at UW Stevens Point. Of all the jobs he had during his lifetime, the ones he valued most were being a parent and an author. Gib published two books and many articles for the Adams-Times Reporter and the Wisconsin Rapids newspaper. He loved telling stories about his travels and life. Gib's most famous question to anyone he met was, “What is your name?” He talked to everyone and wanted to know their stories. He loved his family and friends. Importantly, Gib was a member of AA and sober for the past 44 years.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, son Chris, daughter SueAnn(Joe) Sullivan, stepsons Kevin (Lisa) Crawford, and Craig (Kristen) Crawford, 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, brother Jim, sister Diane, and many nieces and nephews. Gib's advice would be to enjoy each day by finding the humor and joy around you. Don't be stoic....laugh, cry, scream, and find the asparagus!
There will be a memorial service for Gib at Trinity Luthern Church, in Arkdale, WI on July 6th starting with a visitation at 2 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m. Donations can be made in honor of Gib to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
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